An Interpretation: The Meaning of The Moon Tarot Card
This is my initial interpretation of The Moon card.
Tarot Deck: Universal Waite Tarot
The Moon is a very mysterious card. My first observation: The Moon is the only Tarot card (using RWS) that does not have humans in it; only animals are in the setting. A dog howls at the moon on the left side of the card, showing how our consciousness and that which is known is domesticated, in comparison to the howling on the right side, representing the wild and uncontrollable side of unconscious thought. The metaphor shows how we are normally comfortable with what is known to us and are often uncomfortable with the unknown. Also, dogs and wolves use four limbs, not two like humans do. Perhaps this is a reference to more primal evolutionary times.
The half moon in the card is setting and comprises the top right of the drawing, which shows a sun rising in the bottom part. Again, the duality of the conscious versus the unconscious is present. The Sun is also the next card in the Tarot journey in the Major Arcana (key 19).
The gold Yods in The Tower return in this card, representing the name of God. There are thirteen of them a possible reference to the Death card. If so, it supports the theory that in order for there to be a beginning, there must be an end. Since The Moon follows The Star–which shows the beginning of the transformation process after the chaos of The Tower–The Moon can be seen as the end of an important spiritual lesson in the Major Arcana, before the next card, The Sun.
There is a small pond of water, symbolic of thought. A purple lobster-like creature is attempting to climb out of the water and take the path through a meadow that is between two stone towers. The goal at the end of the path appears at the top of the dark blue mountain peaks. Purple is symbolic of power and victory and dark blue represents the unknown. The two towers share the same universal theme of the pillars in The High Priestess, The Hierophant and Justice Tarot cards.
Another reference to numerology is 18, which can be broken down and relates to three previous Tarot cards:
1 = The Magician
8 = Strength
1 + 8 = 9 (The Hermit)
This implies that with The Moon, we have have learned how to use the tools and skills from The Magician; have the power and confidence to be strong physically and mentally from Strength; and have discovered the hidden meaning of our unconscious thoughts that The Hermit taught us to find within.
If we add up the numbers of those two cards, 3+17=20, and then reduce it again, 2+0=2, we have another number universally recognised as harmonic and balanced – a great outcome for you, particularly if you think of the High Priestess (II) as your helper with internal healing.
This card represents a moment of clarity and the start of prosperous new times both emotionally, physically and in actuality. It offers hope for the day.radiates growth, positivity, free flowing emotions, innocence, untainted thoughts and rebirth. A naked woman is shown kneeling towards a stream of water–pouring one jug of water into the main stream–and pouring another jug of water into the ground, creating new streams. There is grass and one tree growing, but it is a small; a bird sits on top of it. These images symbolize rebirth. There are ice-capped mountains in the distant past, representing no obstacles or worries. There are eight stars in the brilliant blue sky: one is large and gold, and the other seven surround around it. I assume this has an astrological meaning.
Possible Meanings in a Tarot Reading:
Keywords:
- Wild and mysterious experiences are at bay
- Return back to our roots
- See the light unknown territory, but if we follow the path and trust our instinct to reach the goal
- We can achieve great heights as long as we trust the power lies within us
- Follow the light
- Nocturnal
- Dreams
Symbolism:
- Dog and wolf howling at the moon
- Half moon with rising sun
- 13 Gold Yods
- Water
- Purple Crustacean
- Two stone towers
- Pathway
- Dark blue mountains in the distance
Image: Universal Waite Tarot © US Games Systems, Inc.
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